U.S. patent number 8,408,132 [Application Number 12/723,446] was granted by the patent office on 2013-04-02 for initiator modules, munitions systems including initiator modules, and related methods.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Alliant Techsystems Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is Denny L. Kurschner, James D. Lucas, Thomas E. MacPherson. Invention is credited to Denny L. Kurschner, James D. Lucas, Thomas E. MacPherson.
United States Patent |
8,408,132 |
Lucas , et al. |
April 2, 2013 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Initiator modules, munitions systems including initiator modules,
and related methods
Abstract
Initiator modules for munitions control systems include a
mounting portion for receiving a portion of an initiation device, a
detonator device disposed within the initiator module, a connection
portion configured to connect the initiator module with a munitions
control system, and an electronics assembly configured to
electronically couple with a munitions control system and transmit
a signal to the detonator device. Munitions systems may include
initiator modules received in a socket of a munitions control
system. Methods of igniting explosive devices include coupling a
shock tube to an explosive device, connecting an initiator module
to a munitions control system, mounting a portion of the shock tube
to the initiator module, and igniting the shock tube with a
detonator device disposed within the initiator module.
Inventors: |
Lucas; James D. (Chanhassen,
MN), Kurschner; Denny L. (Minnetonka, MN), MacPherson;
Thomas E. (Robbinsdale, MN) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lucas; James D.
Kurschner; Denny L.
MacPherson; Thomas E. |
Chanhassen
Minnetonka
Robbinsdale |
MN
MN
MN |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Alliant Techsystems Inc.
(Arlington, VA)
|
Family
ID: |
44558706 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/723,446 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2010 |
Prior Publication Data
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|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20110219977 A1 |
Sep 15, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
102/202.7;
102/275.12; 102/202.14; 102/215; 102/275.6; 102/206 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42D
1/05 (20130101); F42C 19/12 (20130101); F42D
1/04 (20130101); F42B 3/10 (20130101); C06C
5/06 (20130101); F42D 1/045 (20130101); F42B
3/26 (20130101); F42B 3/12 (20130101); F42D
1/043 (20130101); F42C 19/0807 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F42B
3/10 (20060101); F42C 11/00 (20060101); F23Q
21/00 (20060101); F42C 19/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;102/202.5,202.7,202.9,202.12,202.14,206,215,217,218,275.6,275.12 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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99/46221 |
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Jun 1999 |
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WO |
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2009/097036 |
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Aug 2009 |
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WO |
|
Other References
Product datasheet for Spyder, copyright 2006, available at
http://www.atk.com/datasheet.sub.--PDFs/spider.pdf. cited by
applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Bergin; James
Attorney, Agent or Firm: TraskBritt
Government Interests
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
This invention was made with government support under Contract
Number W15QKN-08-C-0448 awarded by the United States Department of
Defense. The government has certain rights in the invention.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An initiator module for a munitions control system, comprising:
a housing comprising: a mounting portion for receiving a
longitudinal portion of an initiation device, the mounting portion
formed on an external surface of an external wall of the housing;
and a connection portion configured to connect the initiator module
with the munitions control system; a detonator device disposed
within the housing of the initiator module at a location proximate
to an internal surface of the external wall of the housing opposing
the external surface of the external wall and the mounting portion,
wherein the mounting portion is configured to position the
longitudinal portion of the initiation device to extend along the
external surface of the external wall of the housing proximate to
the detonator device positioned on the opposing internal surface of
the external wall of the housing; and an electronics assembly
electrically coupled to the detonator device and configured to
electronically couple with the munitions control system through the
connection portion and to transmit a signal from a munitions
control system through the connection portion to the detonator
device.
2. The initiator module of claim 1, wherein the mounting portion is
configured to receive an initiation device comprising a shock
tube.
3. The initiator module of claim 1, wherein the connection portion
comprises an electrical connection and a latch, wherein the
electrical connection is configured to be cooperatively received in
a socket of a munitions control system and wherein the latch is
configured to selectively secure the initiator module to a
munitions control system.
4. An initiator module for a munitions control system, comprising:
a housing comprising: a mounting portion for receiving a
longitudinal portion of an initiation device; and a connection
portion configured to connect the initiator module with the
munitions control system; a detonator device disposed within the
housing of the initiator module at a location proximate to the
mounting portion, wherein the detonator device comprises an
exploding foil initiator; and an electronics assembly electrically
coupled to the detonator device and configured to electronically
couple with the munitions control system through the connection
portion and to transmit a signal from a munitions control system
through the connection portion to the detonator device.
5. The initiator module of claim 4, wherein the electronics
assembly is configured to deliver a signal from a munitions control
system comprising between 500 and 1500 volts to the exploding foil
initiator in order to detonate the exploding foil initiator.
6. An initiator module for a munitions control system, comprising:
a housing comprising: a mounting portion for receiving a
longitudinal portion of an initiation device; and a connection
portion configured to connect the initiator module with the
munitions control system; a detonator device disposed within the
housing of the initiator module at a location proximate to the
mounting portion; and an electronics assembly electrically coupled
to the detonator device and configured to electronically couple
with the munitions control system through the connection portion
and to transmit a signal from a munitions control system through
the connection portion to the detonator device, wherein the
mounting portion comprises a rigid element and a biasing element
protruding from the mounting portion of the initiator module and
wherein a longitudinal portion of a shock tube is received and
retained between the rigid element and the biasing element of the
mounting portion.
7. An initiator module for a munitions control system, comprising:
a housing comprising: a mounting portion for receiving a
longitudinal portion of an initiation device; and a connection
portion configured to connect the initiator module with the
munitions control system; a detonator device disposed within the
housing of the initiator module at a location proximate to the
mounting portion; and an electronics assembly electrically coupled
to the detonator device and configured to electronically couple
with the munitions control system through the connection portion
and to transmit a signal from a munitions control system through
the connection portion to the detonator device, wherein the
mounting portion comprises a biasing element configured to secure
an initiation device comprising a longitudinal portion of a shock
tube to a first side of a wall of the initiator module and wherein
the detonator device is disposed within the initiator module
proximate to a second, opposing side of the wall of the initiator
module.
8. The initiator module of claim 7, wherein the wall of the
initiator module comprises a portion having a thickness less than a
thickness of an adjacent portion of the wall.
9. The initiator module of claim 8, wherein the wall of the
initiator module comprises a recessed portion having the lesser
thickness and wherein at least a portion of the detonator device is
disposed in the recessed portion of the wall.
10. A munitions system, comprising: a munitions control system
having at least one socket formed therein; and at least one
initiator module as recited in claim 1 received in the at least one
socket of the munitions control system.
11. The munitions system of claim 10, wherein the detonator device
of the at least one initiator module comprises an exploding foil
initiator and wherein the exploding foil initiator comprises a low
energy exploding foil initiator requiring less than 1500 volts to
initiate.
12. The munitions system of claim 11, wherein the electronics
assembly is configured to deliver a signal comprising between 500
and 1500 volts generated by the munitions control system to the low
energy exploding foil initiator in order to initiate the exploding
foil initiator.
13. The munitions system of claim 10, wherein the mounting portion
further comprises a rigid element and wherein the longitudinal
portion of a shock tube is received and retained in a seat formed
between the rigid element and a biasing element of the mount.
14. The munitions system of claim 13, wherein the seat retains the
longitudinal portion of the shock tube in contact with the external
surface of the external wall of the housing of the initiator
module.
15. The munitions system of claim 10, wherein an electrical
connector of the initiator module comprises a pin connector that
nondestructively attaches and detaches from a complementary
electrical connector of the at least one socket of the munitions
control system.
16. The munitions system of claim 15, wherein the at least one
initiator module further comprises a latch coupled thereto, the
latch having a biased latching portion complementary to a latching
portion of the at least one socket of the munitions control system,
wherein engagement of the latching portion of the initiator module
and the latching portion of the munitions control system secures
the at least one initiator module to the at least one socket of the
munitions control system.
17. A method of igniting an explosive device, the method
comprising: coupling a shock tube to an explosive device;
connecting the initiator module as recited in claim 1 to a
munitions control system; mounting a longitudinal portion of the
shock tube to the mounting portion of the initiator module; and
igniting the shock tube with the detonator device with a signal
generated by the munitions control system.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein igniting the shock tube further
comprises deforming or perforating the external wall of the
initiator module with a shock wave generated by the detonator
device.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein mounting a longitudinal portion
of the shock tube comprises disposing the longitudinal portion of
the shock tube between a rigid element and a biasing element of the
mount to retain the longitudinal portion of the shock tube in the
mounting portion.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein igniting the shock tube with an
initiation device disposed within the initiator module comprises:
directing a voltage greater than 500 volts from the munitions
control system to the initiator module to detonate the detonator
device comprising a low energy exploding foil initiator; and
sending a signal from the initiator module to the munitions control
system after detonation of the low energy exploding foil initiator.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The current invention relates generally to initiator modules and
munitions systems. In particular, the current invention generally
relates to initiator modules for actuating an initiation device
such as, for example, a shock tube, systems including initiator
modules, and methods of igniting explosive devices using initiator
modules.
BACKGROUND
Explosives used in military combat may be initiated by detonation
devices. Due to the destructive nature of explosives, these
detonation devices may incorporate various safety features to avoid
premature detonation. Explosive materials may be ignited in several
different ways. Typically, explosive materials have been ignited by
flame ignition (e.g., fuzes or ignition of a priming explosive),
impact (which often ignites a priming explosive), chemical
interaction (e.g., contact with a reactive or activating fluid), or
electrical ignition. Electrical ignition may occur in two distinct
ways, as by ignition of a priming material (e.g., electrically
ignited blasting cap or priming material) or by direct energizing
of an explosive mass by electrical power.
Remote activation systems for detonating explosives have been used
widely in the field of military and industrial demolition
applications. In the past, initiation devices have been used to
generate an electrical impulse for initiating detonation. For
example, a blasting cap used in conjunction with an explosive
charge (e.g., pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), C4, etc.) can be
electrically connected to output terminals of the initiation device
using electrical conductors. In many instances, the conductors can
be several hundred meters long to separate the initiation device
and the explosive. In such an arrangement, the explosive assembly
is sensitive to electrical conditions, such as electromagnetic
interference (EMI) and electrostatic discharge (ESD). As a result
of this sensitivity, premature detonation of the explosive charge
has been known to occur with unacceptable frequency. The results of
premature detonation can include unintended damage and/or
unintended personal injury or death.
Attempts have been made to avoid using electrical conductors to
deliver explosion initiating energy from the initiation device to
the explosive change. In one attempt a mechanical arm driven by a
solenoid was used to initiate a device that propagates a chemical
reaction from initiator to explosive. Such an attempt is described
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,546,873 which discloses a transmitter that
transmits a detonation signal to a receiver. The receiver can be
configured to deliver an electrical output in response to a
received detonation signal. Such electrical output can be used to
electrically excite a blasting cap via conductors. But, as
indicated above, if the conductors have any appreciable length
(e.g., 50 meters or more), ambient electrical conditions (e.g., an
atmospheric electrical storm) can cause premature detonation of the
explosive.
Another attempt is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,451,700 which
discloses a detonation initiator including a linear actuator
assembly having a core with a permanent magnet. The linear actuator
assembly propels the core along the longitudinal axis of the linear
actuator assembly when the charge on the capacitor reaches a charge
threshold. The core includes a firing pin that mechanically strikes
a primer connected to an open end of a shock tube. Striking the
primer in results in chemical activation of the primer and, in
turn, begins ignition of combustible material in the shock tube.
However, such a configuration requires that an open end of the
shock tube be inserted into the detonation initiator in order to be
initiated. The end of the shock tube must be cut or otherwise
opened and inserted into the device adjacent to the primer.
Exposing the end of a shock tube may be undesirable as the shock
tube may become contaminated or exposed to other undesirable
environmental condition. Further, if the partially exposed shock
tube is not detonated, all or part of the unused shock tube
(including any detonation devices connected to the shock tube) may
not be reused and will be wasted. As also illustrated in U.S. Pat.
No. 7,451,700, the connection between the shock tube and primer and
position of the shock tube within the initiator may be critical in
assuring proper ignition of the shock tube. As such, the detonation
initiator disclosed therein requires proper placement of the shock
tube within the initiator and may not be applicable for use with
shock tubes of varying sizes.
BRIEF SUMMARY
In some embodiments, the present invention includes an initiation
module for a munitions control system comprising a mounting portion
for receiving a longitudinal portion of an initiation device, a
detonator device disposed within the initiator module at a location
proximate to the mounting portion, a connection portion configured
to connect the initiator module with a munitions control system,
and an electronics assembly configured to electronically couple
with a munitions control system through the connection portion and
to transmit a signal from a munitions control system through the
connection portion and to the detonator device.
In additional embodiments, the present invention includes a
munitions system comprising a munitions control system having at
least one socket formed therein and at least one initiator module
received in the at least one socket of the munitions control
system. The at least one initiator module comprises a first end and
a second, opposing end. The first end comprises an electrical
connector connected to a complementary electrical connector
disposed in the at least one socket of the munitions control
system. The second, opposing end of the at least one initiator
module includes a mount comprising a biasing element. The mount may
be configured to receive a longitudinal portion of a shock tube and
the biasing element may be configured to retain the longitudinal
portion of the shock tube in the mount. An exploding foil initiator
may be disposed within a housing of the initiator module proximate
to the mount, and an electronics assembly may be electronically
coupled to the exploding foil initiator and to the electrical
connector. The electronics assembly may be configured to receive a
signal from the munitions control system through the electrical
connector and to initiate the exploding foil initiator.
In yet additional embodiments, the present invention includes a
method of igniting an explosive device. The method comprises
coupling a shock tube to an explosive device, connecting an
initiator module to a munitions control system, mounting a
longitudinal portion of the shock tube to a mount disposed on an
exterior surface of the initiator module, and igniting the shock
tube with a detonator device disposed within the initiator module
proximate to the mount with a signal generated by the munitions
control system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing
out and distinctly claiming that which is regarded as embodiments
of the present invention, the advantages of embodiments of the
invention may be more readily ascertained from the following
description of embodiments of the invention when read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an initiator
module of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the initiator module
shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a top view of the initiator module shown in FIG. 1 with
an initiation device coupled thereto;
FIG. 4 is a partial, enlarged cross-sectional view of the initiator
module shown in FIG. 3 having an initiation device coupled
thereto;
FIG. 5 is a side view of a portion of an embodiment of an initiator
module of the present invention with an initiation device coupled
thereto;
FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of an initiator module of
the present invention and a portion of a munitions control system;
and
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a munitions control
system configured for receiving multiple initiator modules, like
the initiator module of FIGS. 1 through 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The illustrations presented herein are not meant to be actual views
of any particular material, apparatus, system, or method, but are
merely idealized representations which are employed to describe
embodiments of the present invention. Additionally, elements common
between figures may retain the same numerical designation for
convenience and clarity.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an initiator
module. As shown in FIG. 1, an initiator module 100 having a
housing 101 may include a body 102, a mounting portion 104, and a
connection portion 106. In some embodiments, the mounting portion
104 and the connection portion 106 of the initiator module 100 may
be coupled to the body 102 at opposite ends thereof. For example,
the mounting portion 104 may be connected to the body 102 at a
distal end of the body 102 (i.e., distal to the point of connection
of the initiator module 100 to a munitions control system 110) and
the connection portion 106 may be connected to the body 102 at a
proximal end of the body 102 (i.e., proximate to the point of
connection of the initiator module 100 to a munitions control
system 110). It is noted that, while the mounting portion 104 and
the connection portion 106 are shown and described with reference
to FIG. 1 as being located on opposing ends of the body 102 of the
initiator module 100, the mounting portion 104 and connection
portion 106 may be disposed respectively at any suitable location
of the initiator module 100.
The housing 101 (e.g., the body 102) of the initiator module 100
may house components of the initiator module 100 such as
electronics and initiator assemblies, which are discussed in
further detail below. For example and as shown in FIG. 1, the body
102 may be formed as a hollow cylinder which may be employed to
house operational components of the initiator module 100 therein.
The body 102 may include a retaining feature (e.g., a latch 108)
that may at least partially secure the initiator module 100 to a
portion of a munitions control system 110. As discussed herein, a
munitions control system 110 may include any system, assembly, or
device capable of supplying an electrical signal to the initiator
module 100. For example, the munitions control system 110 may
comprise an electric system capable of supplying a signal to the
initiator module 100 in order to initiate a detonator device 132
(FIG. 2) of the initiator module 100. In some embodiments, the
munitions control system 110 may be remotely controlled enabling a
user to remotely initiate the initiator module 100 with the
munitions control system 110.
By way of further example, the munitions control system 110 may
include a safe and arm device (also termed a SAD or an S&A).
Safe and arm devices may include an assembly or system that
mechanically or electrically (i.e., electronic safe and arm devices
(ESADs)) interrupts an explosive train and prevents inadvertent
functioning of an initiation assembly. For example, an ESAD may
isolate electronic components between a power source and a
detonator to inhibit inadvertent firing of an explosive charge.
Such a munitions control system 110 including an ESAD may supply a
voltage to the initiator module 100 only when it is desired to
ignite the initiator module 100. For example, the munitions control
system 110 may comprise an assembly or system such as a Spider
Tactical Munitions System ("Spider") developed and manufactured by
Alliant Techsystems Inc. of Minneapolis, Minn. and Textron Systems
Corporation of Wilmington, Mass. The Spider is a portable (e.g.,
battery-operated), reusable, soldier-in-the-loop system that can be
used in either a lethal, or a non-lethal mode. The Spider includes
hand emplaced munitions control units (MCUs) and is controlled by a
remote control unit (e.g., a laptop computer) where an operator
(i.e., the soldier-in-the-loop) decides whether to detonate the
modules attached to the MCUs (e.g., a miniature grenade launcher
(MGL), non-lethal launcher (NLL), etc.). The MCUs may also include
munitions adaptor modules (MAM) that enable the on-command
operation of other explosive devices connected to the Spider by an
electrical detonation wire. The Spider system may also be used
with, for example, training simulator modules (e.g., a MGL training
module (MGTS)) which include attachable modules that may be used by
the soldiers for training with the Spider system. Using the
training simulator modules, Spider system functions, such as
simulated detonation of munitions, may be performed with the
training simulator modules as part of training exercises without
any safety hazards, and yet full system functionality. As mentioned
above, the modules may include non-lethal launcher (NLL) modules.
The NLL modules include a variety of "less than lethal" effects
that the Spider may deploy against oncoming forces or intruders.
The effects include a flash-bang grenade, a sting-ball grenade, and
a marking round composed of chalk and paint balls. The NLL module
may replace an MGL module to still provide deterrence, but in a
non-lethal manner.
Referring still to FIG. 1 and to FIG. 2, the latch 108 may include
an elongated member that is rotationally coupled to the base 102 of
the initiator module 100. The latch 108 may include a latching
portion 114 that is complementary to a latching portion 112 of the
munitions control system 110. When the initiator module 100 is
coupled to a munitions control system 110, the latching portion 114
of the latch 108 may extend around the latching portion 112 of the
munitions control system 110 to substantially prevent the initiator
module 100 from being removed from the munitions control system 110
without releasing the latch 108. The latch 108 may include a
biasing portion 116 that may act to maintain the latching portion
114 of the latch 108 in engagement with the latching portion 112 of
the munitions control system 110. When the initiator module 100 is
to be removed from a munitions control system 110, a force applied
to the latch 108 in a direction toward the body 102 of the
initiator module 100 at a location proximate to the biasing portion
116 may be used to disengage the latching portion 114 of the latch
108 and enable the initiator module 100 to be removed from the
munitions control system 110.
The mounting portion 104 of the initiator module 100 may include an
attachment feature (e.g., a mount 118) which may provide a seat for
(e.g., receive or couple) a portion of a detonation device or
initiation device (discussed below in further detail with reference
to FIGS. 3 and 4) to the initiator module 100. The mounting portion
104 of the initiator module 100 may retain a portion of an
initiation device to the mounting portion 104 proximate to an
external surface of the initiator module 100. In some embodiments,
the mounting portion 104 of the initiator module 100 may provide a
seat for an initiation device between elements of the mounting
portion 104. For example, the mount 118 may include a rigid element
120 and a biasing element 122. The rigid element 120 may include
one or more protrusions extending from the mounting portion 104 of
the initiator module 100. The biasing element 122 may include one
or more at least partially flexible protrusions extending from the
mounting portion 104 of the initiator module 100. As discussed in
further detail below, the biasing element 122 may be flexed or bent
in a direction away from the rigid element 120 in order to fit a
portion of an initiation device between the rigid element 120 and
the biasing element 122, thereby, at least partially securing the
initiation device to the mounting portion 104 of the initiator
module 100.
The initiator module 100 may comprise any of a variety of materials
such as, for example, polymers, metals, alloys, composites, and
combinations thereof. For example, the housing 101 of the initiator
module 100 may be formed from a polymer (e.g., a high-performance
polymer, a thermoplastic, etc.). In some embodiments, the housing
may comprise a composite polymer material including a metal (e.g.,
Poly(p-phenylene oxide) (PPO) including stainless steel fibers that
may improve shielding from electromagnetic interference). By way of
further example, components of the initiator module 100 such as the
latch 108 and portions of the mount 118 (e.g., the biasing element
122) may be formed from a polymer such as, for example, a super
tough nylon.
FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the initiator module
shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 101 of the
initiator module 100 houses a portion of an initiation assembly
which may include an electronics assembly 124 and a detonator
device 132. The electronics assembly 124 may include a printed
circuit board including associated electronic components to form a
printed circuit assembly 126 and ribbon cables 128, 130 located at
each end of the printed circuit assembly 126. The electronics
assembly 124 may be configured to receive an electrical signal from
the munitions control system 110 and to supply a signal to the
detonator device 132 in order to initiate another portion of the
initiation assembly such as, for example, an initiation device
mounted to the mounting portion 104 of the initiator module 100
which is in communication with an external device 160 (FIG. 3)
(e.g., an explosive device such as, for example, lethal explosive
devices (e.g., a M18A1 Claymore) and non-lethal explosive devices
(e.g., an M5 Modular Crowd Control Munitions (MCCM)). The
electronics assembly 124 may receive a voltage from the munitions
control system 110 in order to detonate the detonator device 132
(e.g., an exploding foil initiator (EFI), a low energy exploding
foil initiator (LEEFI), blasting cap, exploding-bridgewire
detonator (EBW), etc.). For example, the electronics assembly 124
may receive a voltage (e.g., a voltage between about 500 volts and
about 1500 volts) sufficient to ignite the detonator device 132
(e.g., a LEEFI) from the munitions control system 110 and transmit
the voltage to the detonator device 132 in order to ignite the
detonator device 132.
In some embodiments, the electronics assembly 124 may be configured
to receive a signal from the munitions control system 110 and to
send a signal in response to the signal from the munitions control
system 110 that communicates the status of the initiator module
100. For example, the munitions control system 110 may send a
signal inquiring of the status of the initiator module 100, and the
electronics assembly 124 may assess the status of the initiator
module 100 and respond with a signal to the munitions control
system 110 regarding whether select components of the initiator
module 100 (e.g., the detonator device 132) are operating or ready
to operate in a desired manner (e.g., the initiator module 100 is
ready to detonate the detonator device 132).
The electronics assembly 124 may be selectively electrically
connected to the munitions control system 110 through the
connection portion 106 of the initiator module 100 (i.e., the
electronics assembly 124 may be connected to the munitions control
system 110 when the initiator module 100 is coupled to the
munitions control system 110). For example, the first ribbon cable
128 may electrically couple the printed circuit assembly 126 to an
electrical connector 134. The electrical connector 134 may be
complementary to an electrical connector 152 of the munitions
control system 110. For example, the electrical connector 134 may
be complementary to an electrical connector 352 (e.g., a 15-pin
connector, a 17-pin connector, etc.) of a munitions control system
300 as shown in FIG. 7.
Referring still to FIG. 2, the electronics assembly 124 may be
electrically connected to the detonator device 132. For example,
the second ribbon cable 130 may electrically couple the printed
circuit assembly 126 to the detonator device 132.
FIG. 3 is a top view of the initiator module 100 with an initiation
device coupled thereto. As shown in FIG. 3, the mount 118 may be
formed on the mounting portion 104 of the initiator module 100 and
may include an assembly for retaining a portion of an initiation
device such as, for example, a shock tube 136. In some embodiments,
the mount 118 may retain portions of a plurality of initiation
devices (e.g., a plurality of shock tubes). A shock tube (also
known as a signal transmission line) is a type of initiation device
that transmits a detonation signal to a remotely located explosive
using a pressure signal. A shock tube may be made of non-conductive
materials, which are not generally susceptible to premature
detonation caused by stray electro-magnetic radiation. The shock
tube may include an explosive material within the shock tube and,
when the shock tube is initiated, the explosive material combusts
and propagates down the tube (e.g., at a rate of about 2000 meters
per second (approximately 6560 feet per second)). A relatively
small amount of explosive material may be used, such that the
explosive effects are contained within the shock tube and the shock
tube does not burst open as the ignited explosive propagates
through the shock tube. When propagation of the ignited explosive
material within the shock tube reaches a predetermined point (e.g.,
an external device) along the shock tube, the propagation of the
ignited explosive material may be converted into useful work such
as, for example, initiating a detonator (e.g., a blasting cap),
igniting a gas generator, pushing a piston, etc.
As discussed above with reference to FIG. 1, the mount 118 may
include a rigid element 120 and a biasing element 122. The rigid
element 120 and the biasing element 122 may cooperatively at least
partially secure the shock tube 136 to the mounting portion 104 of
the initiator module 100. It is noted that while the embodiment of
FIG. 3 illustrates the mounting portion 104 of the initiator module
100 receiving a portion of a shock tube 136, other initiation
devices used to ignite an explosive material may also by retained
by the mounting portion 104 (e.g., fuses, detonation cord,
etc.).
Referring still to FIG. 3, the mount 118 may retain a portion of
the shock tube 136 proximate to an external surface of the
initiator module 100. For example, the mount 118 may retain the
shock tube 136 proximate to an external surface 138 of a wall 140
of the initiator module 100 located at the mounting portion 106 of
the initiator module 100. The shock tube 136 may be mounted to the
initiator module 100 by the mount 118 such that a side or
longitudinal portion (e.g., a portion of the cylindrical wall
forming the shock tube 136) is mounted proximate to or in contact
with the wall 140 of the initiator module 100. In some embodiments,
an enclosed side portion of the shock tube 136 may be may be
mounted to the mounting portion 104 of the initiator module 100.
For example, the shock tube 136 may be substantially enclosed at
one end of the shock tube 136 (i.e., an enclosed end 137) such that
it is not required to be cut or opened to initiate the explosive
material housed therein. The enclosed end 137 of the shock tube 136
may be mounted to the initiator module 100 for initiation while not
exposing the internal components of the shock tube 136 (the
explosive material disposed therein) to contaminants. In some
embodiments, one or both of the initiator module 100 and the shock
tube 136 may be substantially enclosed to at least partially
prevent contamination or damage to internal components thereof. For
example, as shown in FIG. 2, the detonator device 132 and
electronics assembly 124 may be housed in a substantially enclosed
chamber within the initiator module 100 without the need to expose
the detonator device 132 and electronics assembly 124 to be in
direct contact with the shock tube 136. In other words, the
detonator device 132 and electronics assembly 124 may ignite the
shock tube 136 from within the housing 101 of the initiator module
100 through the wall 140 of the initiator module 100 while the
shock tube 136 is disposed on the exterior of the initiator module
100 (e.g., proximate to the external surface 138).
FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the initiator module
shown in FIG. 3 having an initiation device coupled thereto. As
shown in FIG. 4, the mount 118 may position the shock tube 136 at a
location proximate to the detonator device 132 that is located
within the housing 101 of the initiator module 100. For example,
the detonator device 132 may be positioned within the initiator
module 100 proximate to a side of the wall 140 (e.g., an internal
surface 142) of the initiator module 100. The mount 118 may
position a portion of the shock tube 136 on the opposing side of
the wall 140 (i.e., the external surface 138) such that a portion
of the shock tube 136 is located proximate to the detonator device
132. In some embodiments, the mount 118 may position a portion of
the shock tube 136 on a side of the wall 140 proximate to the
detonator device 132 located on an opposing side of the wall 140
such that the portion of the shock tube 136 is located within a
blast radius of the detonator device 132. In other words, the
portion of the shock tube 136 is positioned such that detonation of
the detonator device 132 will ignite the shock tube 136. In some
embodiments, the shock tube 136 may be mounted to the initiator
module 100 by the mount 118 such that a longitudinal portion of the
shock tube 136 is mounted proximate to a side of the wall 140
(e.g., the external surface 138 of the wall 140) of the initiator
module 100 having the detonator device 132 disposed on an opposing
side of the wall 140 (e.g., the internal surface 142 of the wall
140). In additional embodiments, the mount 118 may retain a portion
of the shock tube 136 in contact with the wall 140 of the initiator
module 100 (e.g., into contact with the external surface 138 of the
wall 140).
The detonator device 132 may be positioned proximate to the
internal surface 142 of the wall 140 of the initiator module 100 in
order to deliver a shock wave through the initiator module 100
(e.g., through the wall 140) to the shock tube 136 mounted to the
initiator module 100 at the mounting portion 104. For example,
detonation of the detonator device 132 may deform or perforate a
portion of the wall 140 of the initiator module 100. In some
embodiments, the initiator module 100 may include a weakened
portion 141 of the wall 140 having a thickness less than that of
the remaining wall 140 (i.e., the thickness of the weakened portion
141 of the wall 140 is relatively less than a thickness of an
adjacent portion of the wall 140). In such an embodiment,
detonation of the detonator device 132 may deform or perforate
(e.g., form a hole through) the weakened portion 141 of the wall
140 of the initiator module 100. In additional embodiments, the
wall 140 of the initiator module 100 may include a recessed portion
143 that may at least partially house the detonator device 132
proximate to the mounting portion 104 of the initiator module 100.
For example, the reduced thickness of the wall 140 at the weakened
portion 141 may form the recessed portion 143 in the wall 140 and
the detonator device 132 may be at least partially disposed in the
recessed portion 143. The shock wave from detonation of the
detonator device 132 may travel through the wall 140 to the shock
tube 136 and ignite the shock tube 136. For example, the shock wave
from detonation of the detonator device 132 may travel through a
side portion or longitudinal portion of the shock tube 136 and
ignite the explosive material contained within the shock tube 136.
The propagation of the ignited explosive material within the shock
tube 136 may travel longitudinally along the shock tube 136 to a
predetermined point such as, for example, an external device 160
(e.g., a detonator of an explosive device such as, for example, a
M18A1 Claymore, a MCCM, etc.).
As further shown in FIG. 4, the mount 118 may secure the shock tube
136 proximate to the initiator module 100. In some embodiments, the
mount 118 may be of a design, structure and material sufficient to
retain the shock tube 136 proximate to the initiator module 100
during the detonation of the detonator device 132. For example, the
mount 118, including the rigid element 120 and the biasing element
122, may at least partially retain the shock tube 136 proximate to
the initiator module 100 as forces resultant from the detonation of
the detonator device 132 may act to force the shock tube 136 in an
outward direction away from the initiator module 100.
In order to retain the shock tube 136, the biasing element 122 may
be flexed or bent in a direction away from the rigid element 120 to
fit the shock tube 136 between the rigid element 120 and the
biasing element 122, thereby, at least partially securing the shock
tube 136 to the mounting portion 104 of the initiator module 100.
For example, an upper portion 144 of the biasing element 122 may
retain the shock tube 136 in a channel 154 formed between the rigid
element 120 and the biasing element 122. It is noted that the terms
"upper" and "lower" discussed herein with reference to the mount
118 describe upper and lower portions of the mount 118 as it is
oriented in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, the upper portion 144 of
the biasing element 122 may be spaced from the rigid element 120 a
distance less than the diameter of the shock tube 136. In such an
embodiment, the upper portion 144 of the biasing element 122, in a
relaxed state, may secure the shock tube 136 in the channel 154
formed between the rigid element 120 and the biasing element 122.
The shock tube 136 may be inserted into the mount 118 to extend
partially through the channel 154 formed between the rigid element
120 and the biasing element 122 by flexing the upper portion 144 of
the biasing element 122 away from the rigid element 120. In some
embodiments, the biasing element 122 may include a lower portion
146 that may act to force the shock tube 136 toward the wall 140 of
the initiator module 100. For example, the lower portion 146 of the
biasing element 122 may force the shock tube 136 into contact with
the wall 140 at location proximate to the detonator device 132
located on an opposing side of the wall 140. In some embodiments,
the mount 118 may include a backstop 148 that may restrict lateral
movement of the lower portion 146 of the biasing element 122 and
may facilitate positioning of a portion of the shock tube 136
proximate to the detonator device 132 located within the initiator
module 100.
FIG. 5 is a side view of a portion of an embodiment of an initiator
module 200 of the present invention with an initiation device
coupled to the initiator module. The initiator module 200 may be
substantially similar to the initiator module 100 shown and
described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 4, but having a
differently configured mounting portion 204 as depicted in FIG. 5.
The initiator module 200 may include a mount 218 located on the
mounting portion 204 thereof that positions the shock tube 136 (or
as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of shock tubes 136) at a location
proximate to the detonator device 132 which is located within the
initiator module 200. The mount 218 may include a biasing element
222 that may extend, in a lateral direction, across a portion of
the mounting portion 204 of the initiator module 200. The biasing
element 222 may be flexed or bent in a direction away from the
initiator module 200 in order to fit the shock tube 136 or tubes
between an external surface 238 of a wall 240 of the initiator
module 200 and the biasing element 222. The biasing element 222 may
at least partially secure the shock tube 136 to the mounting
portion 204 of the initiator module 200. For example, the biasing
element 222 may act to force the shock tube 136 toward the wall 240
of the initiator module 200 proximate to the detonator device 132
located on an opposing side of the wall 240.
FIG. 6 is side view of an embodiment of an initiator module of the
present invention and a portion of a munitions control system 110.
As shown in FIG. 6, the connection portion 106 of the initiator
module 100 may be received in a complementary socket 150 of the
munitions control system 110. For example, the connection portion
106 of the initiator module 100 may be received in the
complementary socket 150 of the munitions control system 110 to
connect the electrical connector 134 (FIG. 2) of the initiator
module 100 to a complementary electrical connector 152 of the
munitions control system 110. As discussed above, when the
connection portion 106 of the initiator module 100 is received in
the complementary socket 150 of the munitions control system 110,
the latching portion 114 of the latch 108 may engage under a bias
with the complementary latching portion 112 of the socket 150 of
the munitions control system 110 to prevent unwanted uncoupling of
the initiator module 100 from the munitions control system 110.
FIG. 7 is perspective view of a portion of a munitions control
system configured for receiving multiple initiator modules, for
example, the initiator module of FIGS. 1 through 6. As shown in
FIG. 7, the munitions control system may include a munitions
control system 300 (e.g., a Spider munitions control system)
operably coupled with a plurality of sockets 350. Each socket 350
may include a latching portion 312 for engaging an initiator module
(e.g., the initiator modules 100, 200 shown and described with
reference to FIGS. 1 through 6). Each socket 350 may also include
an electrical connector 352 that is complementary to the electrical
connector 134 (FIG. 2) of the initiator modules (e.g., the
initiator modules 100, 200 (FIGS. 1 through 6)).
Referring back to FIG. 2, in operation, the connection portion 106
of the initiator module 100 may be received in the complementary
socket 150 of the munitions control system 110 to connect the
electrical connector 134 of the initiator module 100 to the
electrical connector 152 of the munitions control system 110. The
latching portion 114 of the latch 108 of the initiator module 100
may engage with the complementary latching portion 112 of the
complementary socket 150 of the munitions control system 110 to
secure the initiator module 100 to the munitions control system
110.
The electronics assembly 124 of the initiator module 100 may
receive an electrical signal (e.g., a voltage less than the voltage
required to detonate the detonator device 132 such as, for example,
12 volts) from the munitions control system 110 transmitted through
the electrical connectors 134, 152 to provide a power source for
the initiator module 100. The electrical connector 134 of the
initiator module 100 may send a signal transmitted to the munitions
control system 110, again through the electrical connectors 134,
152 regarding the status of the initiator module 100 (e.g., a
signal indicating that the initiator module 100 is in a ready
condition to detonate the detonator device 132 disposed therein).
The electronics assembly 124 of the initiator module 100 may then
receive a relatively larger voltage transmitted from the munitions
control system 110 (e.g., about 1200 volts) in order to detonate
the detonator device 132 (e.g., a LEEFI).
Referring now to FIG. 4, detonation of the detonator device 132
delivers a shock wave through the initiator module 100 (e.g.,
through the wall 140) to the initiation device (e.g., the shock
tube 136) mounted thereto. For example, detonation of the detonator
device 132 may deform or perforate a portion of the wall 140 (e.g.,
the weakened portion 141 designed to have a thickness less than
that of the remaining wall 140) of the initiator module 100. The
shock wave from detonation of the detonator device 132 may travel
through the wall 140 to the shock tube 136 and ignite a portion of
the shock tube 136. For example, the shock wave from detonation of
the detonator device 132 may travel through (e.g., deform or
perforate) a side portion of the shock tube 136 and ignite the
explosive material contained within the shock tube 136. The
propagation of the ignited explosive material within the shock tube
136 may travel along the shock tube 136 to the external device 160
(FIG. 3).
The initiator module 100 may be configured to promote a relatively
small shock magnitude during detonation of the detonator device
(e.g., the LEEFI). For example, the initiator module 100 may be
configured to promote a shock magnitude (i.e., g-force) less than
2000 g.
Once the detonator device 132 has been detonated by the electronics
assembly 124, the electronics assembly 124 may act to terminate the
supply electrical power to the initiator module 100. For example,
the electronics assembly 124 may send a signal to the munitions
control system 110 indicating that the detonator device 132 has
fired in order to cease electrical power from being supplied to the
initiator module 100 from the munitions control system 110. The
deformation or perforation of the weakened portion 141 of the wall
140 may provide a visual indicator that the initiator module 100
has been detonated. For example, a deformed or perforated external
surface 138 of the wall 140 of the initiator module 100 (e.g., a
bulge or a hole formed therein) may indicate to a user that the
detonator device 132 of the initiator module 100 has been
detonated.
In view of the above, embodiments of the present invention may be
particularly useful in providing an initiation module for a
munitions control system that enables detonation of a device
external to the munitions control system. The initiation module
provides initiation of external devices while providing an
electronic assembly that is compatible with features of a munitions
control system such as ESAD features, portability features, etc.
The initiation module further provides initiation of external
devices using a remotely controlled munitions control system (i.e.,
the initiator module may be operated by remote control rather than
manual control). The external mounting of initiation devices such
as shock tubes to the initiator module enables the initiator module
and the shock tube to be substantially enclosed and at least
partially prevents contamination or damage to internal components
thereof. The mounting portion may remove the need for having to cut
or otherwise provide an open end of a shock tube in order to
detonate the shock tube. As such, deployed shock tubes (including
any shock tube terminations (e.g., seal caps, primers, M81s, etc.))
that are not used (i.e., detonated) may be repackaged and reused at
a later time. The mounting portion also may provide a seat for a
wide range of shock tube sizes and configurations which positions
the enclosed shock tube at an external surface of the initiator
module proximate to a detonation device. Such a configuration may
reduce environmental and physical connection issues exhibited by
initiation devices that require the shock tube to be installed
within the initiation device. Furthermore, the configuration of the
mounting portion of the initiator module may remove the need for an
internal detonation device disposed within the shock tube in order
to detonate the shock tube. The mounting portion may also provide a
visual indicator (e.g., a perforated or deformed mounting portion)
that the initiator module has been detonated.
The ability of the initiator module to implement initiation devices
such as shock tubes and detonator devices such as LEEFIs enables
the initiator module and munitions control system to be less
susceptible to electrical conditions (e.g., electromagnetic
interference (EMI), electrostatic discharge (ESD), radio
interference, etc.) as compared to other initiation devices. The
initiator module may further provide a relatively small shock
magnitude during detonation of the detonator devices such as the
LEEFI which may be desirable when the initiator module is utilized
in a munitions control system such as the Spider that includes a
disturbance sensor therein (e.g., a disturbance sensor to detect
external tampering with the system), which may otherwise be
inadvertently activated by the initiation of a detonator.
While the initiator modules and munitions control systems have been
described herein with general reference to military applications,
it is noted that initiator modules and munitions control systems
may be utilized in other applications such as, for example, mining
and drilling operations and demolition.
While the present invention may be susceptible to various
modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been
shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in
detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention
is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed.
Rather, the invention includes all modifications, equivalents,
legal equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the
invention as defined by the following appended claims.
* * * * *
References